Soft Limits

Deviations

by Jodi Payne

Fans of the iconic Deviations series will fondly recall Bradford as the beloved owner and Master of the elite and exclusively male BDSM club that anchors the series, and also as the wise man who introduced Tobias and Noah.

Dominant Bradford’s story is one defined by sudden opportunity, unimaginable heartbreak, and new-found purpose. His calling is to provide a safe and supportive environment for men in the lifestyle. Bringing Doms and subs together is his superpower, yet he feels fated to be alone himself.

In this prequel to the series, you’ll discover how Bradford is first drawn to Nikki, a beautiful and hungry young man living on the streets, and the unexpected ways Bradford grows and changes while helping Nikki understand a world of strange, new desires.

Deviations readers already know outcome of Bradford and Nikki’s journey together. Soft Limits is a deep-dive into Bradford’s story, into what makes the Dom tick, and how he ended up with ownership of the club. It also introduces Nikki, the sub that tests Bradford’s patience, steals his heart, and soothes his soul.

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance, Romance, Gay, LGBT, Grief

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2019

About the author

JODI spent too many years in New York and San Francisco stage managing classical plays, edgy fringe work, and the occasional musical. She, therefore, is overdramatic, takes herself way too seriously, and has been known to randomly break out in song. Her men are imperfect but genuine, stubborn but likable, often kinky, and frequently their own worst enemies. They are characters you can’t help but fall in love with while they stumble along the path to their happily ever after.

For those looking to get on her good side, Jodi’s addictions include nonfat lattes, Malbec and tequila however you pour it. She’s also obsessed with Shakespeare and Broadway musicals. She can be found wearing sock monkey gloves while typing when it’s cold, and on the beach enjoying the sun and the ocean when it’s hot. When she’s not writing and/or vacuuming sand out of her laptop, Jodi mentors queer youth and will drop everything for live music. Jodi lives near New York City with her beautiful wife, and together they are mothers of dragons (cleverly disguised as children) and slaves to an enormous polydactyl cat.

Reviews

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bradford esta contento con su vida, su mision desde que murio su "esposo" y pareja Harrison, ha sido mantener el Club de BDSM como un lugar seguro para que tanto Doms como subs puedan satisfacer sus necesidades en un ambiente libre de restricciones y seguros. Ademas, si logra emparejar a mas de un Dom con un sub, es todavia mejor. Pero pareciera que para el tener un sub no esta en las cartas, asi que hace pequenos acuerdos por un dia o dos con los subs solteros que trabajan para el y asi satisfacer sus necesidades. Asi que cuando un dia consigue a un joven, claramente indigente, en una cafeteria, decide ofrecerle un trabajo y ver si el joven quiere pertenecer a su mundo. Ahora ambos trabajando y viviendo bajo el mismo techo, Bradford tendra que recordar lo que era estar en ese lugar y ensenarle al joven las ventajas que puede tener en convertirse en su boy.

Este libro es una precuela de la serie Desviations pero creo que es mejor que se lea despues de terminar la serie, para realmente entender muchas de las cosas sobre el funcionamiento del club que no se explican aqui sino en los otros libros. Leer este libro me trajo muchos recuerdos de la serie, hasta ahora una de las BDSM MM que me han gustado mas. Tiene mucho romance, algo de drama, pocas escenas eroticas y un poco de explicacion para "principiantes" de lo que significa una relacion BDSM. Pero sobre todo, tiene unos personajes que resultan sencillos pero cautivadores cada uno en su propia forma.
En fin, es un bonito cierre para una serie que me gusto mucho, espero que leer otras cosas parecidas de los autores o quizas algun tipo de spin-off de esta serie.

[Trio · Rating 5 out of 5]

A prequel to the Deviations series, Jodi Payne’s perfectly named Soft Limits tells the story of Bradford and Nikki, as well as laying a bit of groundwork for what’s to come for Tobias and Noah. As a long-time fan of this series, I highly recommend you read books 1-5 first so you can fully enjoy the characters and their story in Soft Limits.

Fans of the series know Bradford and his sub Nikki, and we’ve watched them support Tobias and his boys (especially Phan) over the years. What an unexpected treat to see how Bradford and Nikki navigate their way to their first contract! This is a wonderful love story, and a gratifying and heartwarming journey of two men who truly complete each other in the best way possible.

(Bonus: There are also some terrific insights into other supporting characters. It’s so much fun to see these guys interacting with each other, both in the club and just spending time together.)

Bradford has been waiting a long time to find a boy of his own, and like he tells Noah, when it’s right you just know it. From the moment he meets Nikki, Bradford is completely intrigued. Using every bit of patience he can muster, instructing Nikki and leading him on his journey is exactly what Bradford needs to feel invested and complete that connection.

Nikki is young, inexperienced, and desperately needs to find where he belongs. A safe place where he can get healthy and explore what makes him feel good is the right way to begin. So when Bradford offers his help, Nikki takes a chance and accepts.

A beautiful May/December romance, excellent BDSM scenes, and a wonderful way to revisit these characters. I challenge anyone who loves the Deviations series to read Soft Limits and not feel compelled to go back and reread at least Submission. (I know I will!) And join me in hoping that Jodi Payne plans more stories surrounding these beloved characters.


a copy of Soft Limits was provided for the purpose of my review

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bradford has been a big part of this series from the very first book. Even as much as he appeared with the other characters in the series...he remained somewhat of a mystery-man. He was the club owner...he was Nikki's rescuer...he was Nicki's Dom... he was a teacher...and he was someone that was always willing and available to listen and help...but this is the first time that we long-time readers actually got to know Brandford for the wonderful, caring person that he was above all that. He spends a good deal of their story allowing Nikki to set the pace, to decide whether or not subbing is something he wants to do at all, and to decide if a relationship that includes more than just care and support is even a component of what Nikki wants and needs. It is this patience that creates the delicious tension and makes you ache for Nikki to sub for him. The elements of Nikki's poverty and Bradford's status absolutely add to the atmosphere of the story but becomes secondary to the scorching, growing connection between them. While this book delves into kink, it does so with a less actual sexual element than most MM romance novels even those in this series. Nikki was a treat. He had depth that we never got to see before and how these two guys had their own special relationship that was so different from what has seen with the others in the series but was absolutely perfect for them.

[Alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when I found out that the Deviations series was getting a prequel... that said this book was such a tease. It was light and fluffy. I loved Nikki and Bradford. It was a great read but...

I want more. It finished before it started really so it was definitely a prequel. I wanted more depth to it. I wanted more conflict. I wanted more, damnit! Maybe I'm just greedy but this book has left me wanting more.

I want to know about Nikki and Bradford's first contracted month. I want to know about when Bradford finally realises he's in love. I want to know about how they made it through the Phan debacle. I want more sex, more intimacy. I want more kink, more scenes.

I need this to become a series of its own, please!

[Britin71 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Je découvre enfin l’histoire de maître Bradford et de son soumis, Nikki 🥰 C’est un excellent prequel (ou introduction) à toute la saga Déviances. Nikki est un gamin des rues, sortie de là grâce à la générosité de Bradford. Ce dernier ne va pas seulement lui donner un job et un toit, il va aussi lui faire découvrir un tout nouveau monde…

J’ai aussi beaucoup aimé les flashbacks de Bradford & Harrison, son mari décédé 💔

Mais s’était trop court ! J’en voulais plus ! Plus de scènes BDSM (là on reste sur du très soft (en même temps, le titre est explicite 🤭)), plus des débuts de Nikki dans le milieu, plus de Bradford & Nikki together, plus de happy end…. 🥰♥️
Bref, j’espère qu’il y aura une autre nouvelle centré sur ce couple (même si j’ai peu d’espoir)

[Kaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was really good.. slow burn and sexy.. i loved watching how they seemed to fit so well but still had so much to learn about each other. it was well written and i cant wait to read more of this series.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Dom Bradford happens upon a young man in his local coffeeshop, something draws him close. When he discovers Nikki can't even afford a granola bar, he takes him in and offers him a job. But Nikki will soon come to mean much more to him than just an employee. And Nikki will start to learn a new world, one of contracts and dominance and submission.



I really liked this story. Bradford and Nikki, while seemingly mismatched on paper, are actually perfectly suited to each other. Though kind of slow burn, I like that time and detail were given to their relationship, rather than just wham bam thank you m'am. I know this is a prequel, and there's a whole series after, so I'm really hoping there is much more of Nikki and his Sir Bradford to come.

ARC via LesCourt ARC Team for an honest review.

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[Leelah🍁♋️ Orion · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio also 3.5

Great story. I’m guessing since this is the prequel we will see more of these two? I enjoyed their journey. And what a learning experience it was. I felt like Nikki the whole way. Learning the ins and outs.
I feel as though this story isn’t done. I hope it isn’t. Felt like it was in the middle of their story. Maybe a happy for now kinda?
Good story good writing wonderful side characters

[Love Bytes Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by Cindy

Bradford is used to being in control. The life he created for himself is the very definition of control and that’s how he likes it. When Nikki stumbles into his life, it’s tested beyond anything he could have imagined.

Nikki is just doing his best to survive. Abandoned by his family, he’s suspicious of Bradford’s intentions when they first meet but he’s in no position to turn down the best opportunity that’s come along.

Watching Bradford stumble was fascinating. I’ve never read the other books in this series (I will soon however) so I was coming into this story blind. We learn so much about Bradford as we watch him struggle to do his best by Nikki. He could have come off as manipulative or skeezy in this story but the author does a good job of showing his genuinely good intentions towards the young sub in training.

Nikki is brash and while he tries to be careful, his impulsive behavior sometimes gets the best of him. His journey to find himself is sad and intense and beautiful to watch. He has no idea about what he’s been looking for until he actually finds it.

I have a picture of Bradford in my head and I have to admit I’m curious as to the physical inspiration that the author used for him. The devotion lavished upon him by all the men who work for him shows that not only is he an amazing Dom, but a decent human being as well.

Brian and Levi are sweet side characters that not only show the reader the best side of Bradford, they are good friends to a young man desperately in need of some. I enjoyed the conversations they had not only with Nikki, but with Bradford too.

The BDSM lifestyle is one that I’m very interested in and I found that the author did a great job of portraying the basics of the what goes on in the community.

Did I mention that the scenes are extremely hot? This author definitely knows how to heat things up, but I also appreciated that there was an actual plot that didn’t rely on sex to fix everything between the two characters. Finding a balance can be hard, but the author did it beautifully.

All in all, this book kept me riveted and it has me chomping at the bit to read the rest of the series. As an author, I know that is the best reaction you can hope for. Well done Jodi Payne.

This book was provided for free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.

[Jess Gabriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this as much as it frustrated me. I wanted so much more. I felt like this was just a teaser.

[Mary Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok.
I really like good romance with some BDSM and it was supposed to be just that. After reading blurb I was sure it is something for me. It was my first book by this author and I haven't read other books in this series so I wasn't sure what to expect.

Sometimes I start reading a book and I FEEL it is a great read and sometimes I know from the first chapter that I hate it. Here I was mostly irritated, I didn't like main characters and I didn't "feel" the story. The idea was quite good - an experienced Dom taking care of a young and lost guy, but in practice it felt more like Bradford taking advantage of Nikki. I couldn't shake the feeling that Nikki was 100% dependent on Bradford and would do anything to please him just to keep his job and place to sleep. What is even worse, he was lonely, he had no family or friends so he craved any kind of interest and affection. Nikki is likable, but I didn't warm up to Bradford.

This is a well written, fast paced book. There is not much BDSM going on apart from some st. Andrew's cross, some spanking (and kneeling of course) so it is a good story even for people who don't really like BDSM stories. I feel bad, but I just didn't feel this story.

* I voluntarily read a copy of this ARC for an honest review *

[Audrey Pott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great intro to this series, Bradford is a Dom of his own club he meets Nikki in a cafe, spends time chatting and offers Nikki a job in his club, I liked how Bradford would mumble to himself when he was annoyed with himself, as he made assumptions about Nikki then finding out he was sleeping in the streets. This is a slow burn, very romantic romance, witty banter and a lovely way to learn about BDSM, Nikki had no idea and at first found it difficult. Jodi’s descriptive writing of her characters made it easy for me to connect and love them.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this story and when I get my pension on Monday I will be buying book one.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. I read the Deviation series years ago and it was really great to see how Bradford and Nikki began. I really liked how Bradford introduces Nikki into the bdsm scene, little by little. He knows Nikki is a true sub well before Nikki realizes it and he goes to great lengths to slowly teach him how to be his true self. He is patient, kind, compassionate and very tender with him. I wish there were a few more chapters though, I would have liked to see a little more of them together before it ended. I have my fingers crossed for a part 2 to this book, there is so much more story to tell.

[Relly · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Audio Review

I’ve loved this series and have always been one to recommend it when anyone was looking for BDSM books. I’ve just completed listening to the series back to back. Being as I enjoyed Bradford and Nikki in the books I was really excited to have their story and find out how they got to be who they were, but I had some major issues with this one.

I love Nikki, he never shied away from where he came from and was happy doing any job he could to get some money and get off the streets. He wasn’t abrasive or bitter just took life as it came. My reservations came from the fact that Nikki wasn’t curious or even aware of the BDSM club. He never came looking for it. He wasn’t a sub wanting to learn and get himself a dom. He met Bradford at a coffee shop and Bradford offered him a job in the kitchens. He worked in the kitchens and still didn’t register it was a BDSM club. He had no interest in what went on behind the doors, so when Bradford moved him upstairs and into club atmosphere, it felt more like grooming, and immersing him in the club so that he would want to be included than actually doing what Nikki needed. This feeling stayed with me the entire way through the book and only was accentuated in some of the scenes.

Bradford himself was worried about manipulating him into the lifestyle and both questioned himself and asked Levi to let him know if he thought he was doing it. The guy took a homeless man off the streets offered him a job and a place to stay, Yes I can see he wouldn’t think anything of it with his history and how it worked out for him, it’s like history repeating itself, but he was also already dominant in his own sexual encounters, so already had an interest in the lifestyle. Nikki didn’t have many options or friends at this point that he could turn to. I felt Bradford was pushing Nikki into the lifestyle and moulding him into what he wanted him to be. He was attracted to Nikki as he was in the start and yet then proceeded to turn him into a subservient man instead, who was totally different than the man he met at the start, I still don’t get that part, as it takes away the personality of the man he was attracted to. I did like that we found out more about his history, it was different than I was expecting, but I enjoyed that we found out about where his speech patterns came from as they always struck me as different.

Nikki to me never came across as a natural Sub. Noah and Phan were both already well into the lifestyle when we were introduced, and I loved the parts where we saw Noah before he met Tobias, so they acted very natural in their submission, but with Nikki, at one point we were in his head and he was constantly reminding himself to keep in the moment. It just didn’t come naturally to him.

This did make some of the scenes in the previous books, far more powerful for me, as I very much understood Nikki taking off when the other sub was hurt at the club and I now feel that having Phan share Master Bradford while he needed help was cruel to Nikki. Bradford was the only Dom he ever knew and yet he had to share his time with Phan. Regardless of if there was no sexual relationship between Bradford and Phan it wasn’t fair on Nikki.

[Gabbi Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fitting conclusion/beginning to iconic series (an audio review)

This series has been a favorite of mine and I’ve enjoyed every moment of watching Tobias, Noah, and eventually Phan, become a true triad. Bradford and Nikki were always in the background. Bradford owns the club where Tobias and Noah are members. He even set the two men up. But how he came to own the club and his story has never been told.

Until now.

When Bradford meets Nikki, the young man is in a rough place. Bradford takes pity on him and offers him a job. He believes in helping young men who are having a rough time and Nikki definitely falls into that category. Nikki is desperate and a job in the kitchen is a God send. It doesn’t solve all his problems, though, and he still is in need of more. Bradford eventually sees this and extends a more…personal invitation. Not to take advantage of the young man, but to take care of him.

Nikki is curious. At first he wasn’t even aware he worked at a BDSM club, having never left the kitchen. When he’s promoted to club boy, he finally gets a tour and discovers what really goes on in these hallowed walls. What attracts him the most is the St. Andrew’s Cross.

I love that this book is a slow burn and gentle introduction to BDSM. Again, this is a high protocol book, so Nikki is slowly shown the ropes by Bradford, molded into the boy Bradford wants, while still maintaining some autonomy. Safewords are still important as is Nikki’s comfort level. The first scene is a gentle introduction to sensory play but as time passes, the scenes get more intense.

Being new, Nikki has set guidelines of what he wants, but he soon discovers it’s not enough. A misunderstanding nearly drives the two men apart, but good communication rescues them and provides a very hot scene. All is well and as it should be.

Have I said how much I enjoyed these books? This one as much as the others.

Maxx Power narrated all the books in the series and I loved the consistency he brought both to the performance and to the material. He did a great job. I’m sorry to see the series end but the arc was perfect and the rounding off of the story worked well. Looking to forward to more of Ms. Payne’s work in the future.

[EQUUS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the series for all the fans who wanted to know how the things started and were curious about Nikki and Bradford. It doesn't really matter if you start with this book or read it at the end. It can be read even as a standalone but I can guarantee that if you are new to this series you won't be satisfied with just one book. It's almost impossible for me to review this book separate from the series. Deviations is one of the most realistic descriptions of the the lifestyle ever published in MM romance and gives you a great insight into the mind of a dominant and also into the mind of a submissive. This very well researched series could be as well a textbook how SSC (safe, sane, consensual) should work. MC's and supporting characters are captivating and I hope this isn't the end of it, because I feel that some of them, Levi especially deserve stories of their own. When reading you should keep in mind that Deviations was written more than 10 years ago so some benefits of modern technology like cell phones and internet were not available to everyone.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bradford is the ultimate Dom. He owns an exclusive club that he inherited from the man he loved. He likes nothing more than to bring Dom’s and subs together. An option that he feels is no longer open to him. Until he finds Nikki.

Nikki, alone, living on the streets, just trying to survive day to day. Bradford offers him a job, and a safe place to live. Nikki is so busy in his new job in the kitchen that he doesn’t even realize at first what the club is. When he finds out he is very interested in learning more and Bradford is just the Dom to show him.

I haven’t read the other books in this series which might of been a mistake. The author stated that even though this book was the beginning of Bradford and Nikki’s story, it needed to be read last. I had issues with Bradford and have to wonder how I would of felt about him had I read this after the others. He just wasn’t a likable person to me. Very autocratic and he was quite manipulative. But even with those feelings I felt it was a well crafted story and I did enjoy it.

I received an arc of this book.

[Torhild Borg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once upon a time there were two men meeting at a cafe... well it turns out it was Bradford, the Dom and owner of a Club where Doms and Subs met for a joyful time together.
This day tho as Bradfrd sits in the cafe, he notice Nikki, a young guy drained in rain coming in. He sits down with his paper going through ads for work.
Bradford offers him a job and a safe place to live. First Nikki is reluctant, but soon he figures out that he got roof over his head and a good bed to sleep in and he was safe.
Bradford on the other hand, he is a specimen of its own so to speak. He is a respected Dom, and to some he is very athorical. Those who works for him knows he is he boss and they address him thereafter.
Niki has his first day on job and he learned that the place were a BDSM club. Oh boy did that trigger something in him? Oh yes and to follow him on his journey, go buy the book. It can be read as a prequel or as an end to a series.
I connected well with the characters in this book, and I also got a surprise.
LesCourt ArcTeam provided me with an ARC.

[Fay MMBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars.. A great start to the book.  Poor Nikki has no idea what's ahead of him when he meets Bradford. And certainly knows nothing about being a submissive.  Hmm Bradford assumes a lot about Nikki and maybe a little ignorant with his future plans for him, things may or may not go smoothly.  A big difference between employee and submissive which consistently reminder to Bradford at the beginning. A big learning curve for Nikki and a self challenge. Hot sexy scenes and and a few rough moments for the both.  This is a HFN story.
I've read the first book in the series and this makes me get back into the series.

Master Bradford 41 yrs meets a young man at the coffee shop and is intrigued about him. Nikki meeting a man who buys him coffee but leads to more. Nikki 20 years looking for a job and lives on the streets. Nikki doesn't know what's about to happen but it one hellva confusing ride.

*I received this advanced readers copy and this is my honest review.

[Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars


Jodi Payne's Soft Limits is an intriguing BDSM story. The prequel to the Deviations series, I find it's a great story on it's own.

Bradley, the owner of a kink club, takes Nicky in off the street, giving him a home and a job. Soon he's training the young sub, taking him under his wing.

What follows is an emotional story of a Dom falling for his sub. They have to deal with testing their limits, and restraint.

Nicky's such a sympathetic character, as he's so unsure of himself, and has no clue about the BDSM world. Bradley, meanwhile, has a sad past, and is still grieving his ex. Together, they make for a fascinating couple.

Having never read the Deviations series, I am now hoping to read the full series. I need to know what happens next. Soft Limits is full of heat, emotion, and a two intoxicating characters. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a BDSM romance.

[Dixiecowgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this slow-burn, sweet and delicious story about finding that person that can fit in your world.  I loved how slow and gentle the introduction to kink and BDSM concepts were shared with Nikki.  This MC was young and just finding his own feet and starting to understand who he was.  

I really liked Bradford, he really was a mature and protective Master.  I really enjoyed learning some of his backstory and how he became the owner of this club.  Such a loving and touching story.  

Bradford and Nikki have a special connection and it really grows with the story.  Lots of steam with context and connection.  

This is book six of the Deviations Series and can be read as a stand-alone.  I am definitely going to be reading the previous  books and am looking forward to lots of enjoyable and meaningful stories. 

I was gifted this book from the LesCourt Author Services and i freely give my honest opinion and review.   

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soft Limits by author Jodi Payne is a prequel novel in the Deviants Series. I loved the forward in this book. Really a fan-driven story. I felt the excitement and love that went into this story.
Bradford, I loved getting to know him better. We get to really have a feel for how he ticks. I think the series was good, but this really adds to the experience. He is in a good place in his life and content. He is kindhearted and strong. I loved getting into his thought process more.
Nikki, he is cautious and young. He is also a bit daring. I liked his spirit and what he brings to Bradford’s life too. He is really a character I loved before and now love even more.
Overall, I think fans will love this addition to the Deviant series. I also think if you started here you would be okay. The story is solid on its own. Just the fans will get more out of it. I am sorry to see this series go and would love more stories like this one in the future.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after having read the Deviation series last year. This book gives the reader the backstory of Bradford's earlier years and the months leading up to the first book in the main series. In this book, we learn how Bradford met his sub, Nikki, who shows up periodically in the other books. "Soft Limits" is true to the tone of the other books, with a high protocol BDSM standard. Since Nikki starts out as a young, homeless survivor on the street, Bradford helps him out and provides him with a place to stay and a job, but does not demand anything further. This book is a slow-burn because ethically Nikki must enter the club scene from his own fully-informed choice, because it is right for him, and not because he needs to conform to survive. This book is well-written, sensitive, true to issues that may come from a large age-gap, and it shares a beautiful emerging D/s love story.

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this series & had hoped that we would have gotten the story behind how Bradford and Nikki met. All through the series we see Bradford and his faithful sub Nikki. I loved that this book ends where the first book in the series starts, so now I have to go back and re-read the entire series now :) I loved the patience that Bradford had with Nikki & slowly pulled him out of himself & into see what he really wanted & that the life Bradford lives in is one that he didn't really knew that he wanted. Going off topic, I would love to see from Bradford's POV, the time he spent with Pham. We know that it was a hard time but I would like to see it from that side. Really, I kind of would like to see his POV through the series. Anyway, anyone who is a fan of this series you really need to pick this one up.

ARC provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review.

[Xochitl · Rating 5 out of 5]

From my point of view as a newbie to the Deviations series world, this amazing prequel story is simply brilliant. Meet Bradford, a very experienced Dom, owner of the exclusively male BDSM club that is the main scenery for the stories in the other books and discover how he found Nikky and taught him everything he knows of being a sub. This is the beginning and it is incredible detailed, from the explanations of the Dom/sub scenes to the complex relationship between the main characters that Ms Payne skillfully created, the book is a rare jewel. Of course there is a happy ending, but it left you with a desire for more, to see what happens next, so I'm starting the following books in the series to find it out.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eek.... Thank You Jodi Payne!!!
OMG to find this gem addition to my all time favorite Deviations series co-written with Chris Owen,
is my own holiday gift to myself. An exceptional addition to the iconic Deviations series. I can't get enough of this series. I absolutely LOVE the characters, the setting, the plot.... well everything about this series! The author(s) portray the emotions and relationship journeys within the BDSM community with erotic romance with their characters in such a way that you fall in love right along with them. It is truly amazing what they 'bring to the table' with this series! P.S.... I wouldnt mind more!!
Ooh can we have a Levi story, a Brian story and heck even more lol

[Dennis Crotts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning and the end of a very interesting story of growth, death and learning. This audible brings all the loose storylines together giving you a bit of history of all the main characters except for Phantom, Tobias, Noah, Bradford and Nicky also you learn a bit of the men's club. It is nice to learn who Bradford is and his pass from a young man to adult and a his history with Harrison the original owner of the club. From what he learned from Harrison made him the man he is and why he is attracted to help young men non sexually who are down on their luck like Nicky and maybe Phantom.
I actually enjoy reading this as the last book because this audiobook tries all the books together and answers many questions was left open..

[Leslie Zak · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good m/m bean story

Apparently this is an older book but is new to me. It is a well written primer on the BDSM lifestyle. Bradford, the owner of a high class gentlemen's club comes across Nikki, a young man desperately in need of a job and offers him a job as a dishwasher. He is really intrigued by Nikki who is a hardworking innocent. Nikki may have a job but doesn't make enough to afford rent and is still sleeping on the streets. Bradford is horrified and gives him a room in his own home while also buying a place to use as housing for other lower level employees. Nikki gets a promotion and begins to learn more about the club and the lifestyle. Of course they end up together and it is a very satisfying journey. I am going to read more in this series.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind a touch of BDSM in the TBR pile.

I haven't read the other books in the series yet, but I will be searching them out now.

Bradford grew on my, it took some time for me to really feel for him, as I couldn't immediately relate to his stuffy proper way of presenting himself. However, Nikki I felt an infinity with straight away. Once we learned the reasons for Bradford appearing as he did, he instantly becomes so much more human.

It was wonderful to dig deeper into the characters and see what makes them tick, and the slow burn of them coming together was amazing.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soft Limits by Jodi Payne is part of the ​Deviations series and serves as a prequel to the series. I have not read the rest of the books in the series but after being introduced to these characters and their universe I am definitely anxious to check them out.

Filled with themes such as BDSM, finding a hopeful situation after a bad situation, and discovering new sides of your self and your desires... this story intrigued me and made me want more. These characters are interesting and their story entertains. We are given a look into this world and find out what makes them tick. A very satisfying read.